Latest news with #hurricaneSeason
Bloomberg
2 days ago
- Climate
- Bloomberg
As Hurricane Season Picks Up, Key Forecasting Tool Access Set to End
By and Brian K Sullivan Save A week ago, US National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasters accurately predicted Hurricane Erick would explode in intensity as it hit Mexico's Pacific coastline. Now, key tools that helped inform that outlook will go away by the end of this month, and it's unclear if a replacement will be available as Atlantic moves deeper into what's expected to be an unusually active hurricane season. The US Navy and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will no longer accept and distribute readings from the long-running Defense Meteorological Satellite Program after June 30, according to a service notice.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
VIN'S PEOPLE: Keep Manatee Beautiful seeks volunteers to help with AMI restoration
Keep Manatee Beautiful seeks 300 volunteers for a major sea oat planting and sand dune restoration on Coquina Beach in July. The goal is to plant 12,000 sea oats to restore and fortify the protective dunes along Anna Maria Island's coastline, bolstering coastal defenses before the peak of hurricane season. 'Sand dunes and sea oats are the Island's natural armor,' said Jennifer Hoffman, Keep Manatee Beautiful's executive director. 'They absorb wind, block surf and reduce flooding. With hurricane season intensifying each year, we need to take action now.' Co-sponsors are the Anna Maria Garden Club, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach, and the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. When: Saturday, July 26, 7 a.m. Where: Coquina Beach parking lot near AMI's southern tip. Details: Tools and planting materials are provided, but bring water, sunscreen, gloves and closed-toe shoes. Sign up: Volunteers can register on the Eventbrite page ( visit the Keep Manatee Beautiful's event page ( call 941-795-8272; or email: keep@ · Julie Kuhn Warrender is 76 years young. · Good luck to Miss Manatee Fair's Teen Rebekah Bennett and Miss Manatee County Lauren Woodward this week in Lakeland. Rebekah, 18, will compete for the Miss Florida's Teen crown. The new Parrish Community High grad will attend Samford University and major in nursing. Lauren, 24, will compete for the Miss Florida crown. The FAMU College of Law student's career goal is to be a family law advocate. · Well done to Jamarr Williams. The new Southeast High grad, Boys and Girls Club member and aspiring chemical engineer received a Coke Florida Refreshing Minds Scholarship. He'll attend Tallahassee Community College and FSU. · Big ups to the Manatee Mustangs sixth-grade boys basketball team, division winners at the KB Sports Memorial Day Classic tournament in Atlanta. Coached by Perryauna Youmans, the champs are Ismael Dunbar, David Jones, Jeremiah Johnson, Antwan Nunez, Bryson Smith and Jacoby Williams. · Props to Palmetto High seniors Stephan Aristil and Zion Roberson. Aristil, an offensive lineman, has committed to Coastal Carolina. Roberson, a safety-outside linebacker, has committed to South Dakota. · Deb Lilly is 39. Again. · Summer Smith-Pope, too. · And Jan Bray Hilker. · A bow to Manatee's school district communications department, 2025 Medallion Awards of Excellence recipients from the Sunshine State School Public Relations Association. These good folks are Nick Bachelder, Michaela Carstens, Susan Gilbank, Kimberly Henley, Suzanne Kelley-Perez, Scott Martin, Matt Messenger, Melissa Parker, Deborah Perry-Gambino, Michele Slaughter and the retiring Mike Barber. Vin's People runs Sundays. Email Vin Mannix at vinspeople@ Or call 941-962-5944. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Keep Manatee Beautiful seeks vols to help at Coquina Beach restoration
Travel Daily News
13-06-2025
- Climate
- Travel Daily News
How to dock and prepare your boat for hurricane season
Whether you own a fishing boat or a family cruiser, protecting your investment takes foresight and attention to detail. A hurricane can turn a serene marina into a scrapyard in a matter of hours. As the weather shifts and hurricane season looms on the horizon, boat owners up and down the coast begin a familiar ritual. They have to scramble to prepare their vessels for nature's fiercest storms. Now, as of 2023, the US had over 11 million registered boats or recreational vessels. But, as climate change accelerates, hurricanes are starting to become a lot more intense and destructive. That means these boat owners need to prepare their boats and protect them against heavier rains and stronger winds. Whether you own a fishing boat or a family cruiser, protecting your investment takes foresight and attention to detail. A hurricane can turn a serene marina into a scrapyard in a matter of hours. Thus, plan ahead so that you can safeguard your boat and avoid thousands in potential damage. Here are the best ways to dock and store your boat during hurricane season. Inspect and Fortify Your Dock Lines and Fenders If you plan to leave your boat in the water during a hurricane, your dock lines and fenders are your first line of defense. These aren't just accessories; they're lifelines. The average dock line might be enough for day-to-day mooring, but storms demand far more strength and flexibility. You'll need longer, stronger lines that can withstand excessive pull and allow for tidal surges without snapping. The goal is to create a web of support, tying off from various angles to spread out the force. Equally important are fenders, which cushion your boat against the dock and prevent hull damage. Check their condition for cracks or leaks. In extreme cases, even using extra fenders or repurposed tires can add an extra layer of padding. Also, inspect cleats, winches, and anchor points to be sure they're in solid shape. These are only as strong as what they're tied to. Boats that break loose often cause the most damage in a marina, both to themselves and everything else around them. Remove or Secure All Loose Gear A hurricane's destructive power isn't just about rain and waves; it's about wind. Even a category 1 hurricane can blow away loose gear on board. In fact, anything that isn't bolted down can become a missile. That includes canvas covers, cushions, electronics, grills, fishing gear, and even bimini tops. Remove everything that can be taken off the boat and stored indoors. If something can't be removed, it should be tightly secured using weather-resistant straps or lines. You might be surprised how many boats are lost not because they sank but because a flying piece of debris damaged the hull. Don't underestimate the wind's reach. Even marinas that aren't directly in the storm's path can experience gusts strong enough to tear off equipment. Finding Proper Boat Storage Solutions During Peak Hurricane Season When hurricanes begin showing up in the forecast, marina spaces and indoor storage options fill up fast. It's a mad dash for safety, and many boat owners end up settling for whatever is available. That's why identifying proper boat storage solutions ahead of peak hurricane season is one of the smartest moves you can make. Dry stack storage, hurricane-rated warehouses, and enclosed boat barns can provide unparalleled protection from the elements. Some facilities even offer tie-down systems and climate-controlled environments to reduce the risk of mold, mildew, or mechanical corrosion. Yet not everyone has access to premium indoor storage. In such cases, outdoor boat storage becomes a practical and surprisingly effective alternative when chosen wisely. Certain places in the US have grown more vulnerable to hurricanes and storms in recent times. Ocala, Florida, for instance, is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms, especially during the Atlantic hurricane season. However, you may not find a lot of indoor boat storage facilities there. Hence, opt for the best outdoor boat storage in Ocala that you can find and park your boat there. A reputable boat storage facility should offer more than just a parking spot. Look for places that emphasize security, have a strategic location, and provide sufficient space for emergency preparation. The best outdoor storage yards are built with reinforced anchoring systems, gravel or concrete bases, and 24-hour monitoring. Also, according to Beacon RV & Boat Storage, the best outdoor boat storage sites offer excellent hurricane-resistant constructions that safeguard your boat. They're convenient for checking in on your vessel before or after a storm. Take Special Care with the Bilge, Battery, and Fuel Systems Your boat's internal systems need just as much attention as the exterior. Start with the bilge. Make sure it's clean and dry, and that the pump is functioning properly. Hurricanes often bring torrential rains, and your bilge system must be ready to handle large amounts of water quickly. Test the automatic switch to ensure it activates when water reaches the trigger point. For the battery, disconnect it unless you need the bilge pump to operate. If you do leave it connected, make sure it's fully charged and securely mounted. A loose battery is a fire risk and can also destroy electrical systems. As for fuel, experts differ on whether to leave tanks full or empty. However, the consensus is that partially full tanks are the worst option. If you leave your boat with fuel, add a stabilizer to prevent degradation. Shut off fuel valves and consider taping vents to prevent water intrusion. Just don't forget to remove the tape after the storm passes. Document and Communicate Your Hurricane Plan One often overlooked but crucial part of hurricane prep is documentation. Take photos of your boat from all angles, both inside and out, before the storm. This provides proof of the boat's pre-storm condition in case you need to file an insurance claim. Keep copies of your insurance policy, registration, and any marina agreements in a safe, waterproof place. Finally, notify your marina or storage facility of your hurricane plan. Many marinas require it in writing, and some even offer hurricane haul-out programs for a fee. If you're away from the area during the storm, designate someone reliable to carry out your plan. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Are boats safe at the docks during hurricanes? Boats docked during hurricanes are highly vulnerable to damage from storm surges, high winds, and floating debris. Even well-secured vessels can break loose or be slammed into piers. Many marinas urge boat owners to remove their boats before storms. Safety often depends on the dock's design and storm preparation. Should you store boats indoors during storms? Yes, storing boats indoors, like in a hurricane-rated dry stack or warehouse, is one of the safest options. It shields the vessel from wind, rain, and flying debris. However, availability is limited and should be arranged in advance. Indoor storage greatly reduces the risk of costly storm-related damage. Can hurricanes blow away small boats entirely? Yes, small boats can be lifted and tossed by hurricane-force winds or swept away by storm surge. Lightweight vessels are especially at risk if not secured or stored properly. Many end up stranded far inland or lost at sea. Taking early precautions is key to preventing total loss. Preparing your boat for hurricane season isn't just a seasonal task. It's a critical part of responsible ownership. A hurricane doesn't care how much you paid for your boat or how often you use it. When those storm alerts begin to flash, the only thing that matters is what you did ahead of time to protect it. The more thorough your preparations, the more peace of mind you'll have when the winds start to blow and the sky turns dark. After all, your boat deserves more than luck; it deserves a solid plan. Photo by Annie Xia on Unsplash
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Tropical Storm Barbara forms off the southwestern coast of Mexico
Tropical Storm Barbara has formed off the coast of Southwestern Mexico, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said Sunday. There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. Two to four inches of rainfall in portions of Mexico's western states may lead to flooding and mudslides through Monday. The storm is also likely to generate sea swells with life-threatening surf and rip currents along the southwestern coast. At 4 a.m., the center was located in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, moving west-northwest at 12 miles per hour. The storm has maximum sustained winds of 45 miles per hour, with higher gusts. Barbara is forecast to continue to strengthen and become a hurricane on Monday. NOAA officials predicted a 60% chance of an "above-normal" hurricane season, with between 13 to 19 named storms. Six to 10 of those are expected to strengthen into hurricanes, and three to five could become major hurricanes, forecasters said. The Pacific hurricane season began on May 15, while the Atlantic hurricane season is from June 1 until Nov. 30, with peak activity typically occurring between mid-August and mid-October. Dad says son "may never be the same" after alleged hazing Nature: Mating grebes From celebrating Juneteenth to the erasure of Black history: Charles M. Blow on America today
CBS News
08-06-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Tropical Storm Barbara forms off the southwestern coast of Mexico
What to expect as 2025 hurricane season begins Tropical Storm Barbara has formed off the coast of Southwestern Mexico, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said Sunday. There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. Two to four inches of rainfall in portions of Mexico's western states may lead to flooding and mudslides through Monday. The storm is also likely to generate sea swells with life-threatening surf and rip currents along the southwestern coast. Forecast cone for Tropical Storm Barbara NOAA/National Hurricane Center At 4 a.m., the center was located in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, moving west-northwest at 12 miles per hour. The storm has maximum sustained winds of 45 miles per hour, with higher gusts. Barbara is forecast to continue to strengthen and become a hurricane on Monday. NOAA officials predicted a 60% chance of an "above-normal" hurricane season, with between 13 to 19 named storms. Six to 10 of those are expected to strengthen into hurricanes, and three to five could become major hurricanes, forecasters said. The Pacific hurricane season began on May 15, while the Atlantic hurricane season is from June 1 until Nov. 30, with peak activity typically occurring between mid-August and mid-October.
